Wednesday, August 19, 2009

What's in a name?


How does one acquire a nickname, stage name, pen name, or pet name these days?
I have a few including "trouser snake sex machine extraordinaire" which is often mentioned in the bedroom by so many past concubines – Yes it is a mouthful – the nickname that is…and shows the extent one can go to along with persistent use to ensure that a name sticks…
It depends on the friends, but I am boy to my sister, Ga to the other sister, Gareth when my mom is angry with me, Gary to a few old friends and my dad, monkey to past girlfriends and Vossie, or Vos – a shortened version of my surname and the name my dad went by to most these days. I am happy with any of those really.
Most recently it was worsie – but I will deny that to my grave… upon which my nickname will be RIP, like so many others six feet under.
Some football players have just taken it upon themselves to have one name, Ronaldo, Pele or the entire Brazilian National football team for that matter.
Former Fiji's national coach Ilivasi Tabua is known as the "human skewer" for his ferocious tackling.
Then there is Brian Lima "the chiropractor" – the samoan center who was known for his back breaking tackling ability.
"Iron Mike" Tyson was named for obvious reasons. In fact some of the more entertaining nicknames have come out of boxing stables…
Juan "The Hispanic Causing Panic" Lazcano
Homicide Hank (Henry Armstrong)
Michael "Second to" Nunn
Mike "The Body Snatcher" McCallumMike "The Bounty" Hunter
O'Neil "Give 'em Hell" BellOwen "What the Heck" Beck
Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini

Then there are the Italian mafia "Jonny "two toes" Marino, or Nicky "the hatchet" the first for er well having two toes on his left foot, and the other for his choice of weapon in the underworld.
Tommy Sneakers
Fat Richie
Jackie the Nose
The title that one gets in the Italian mafia is derived from a number of different sources. An individual may get a title based on his position in the organization or a particular family. Larry “The Boss” Pistone is a classic example of an Italian mafia name that belongs to a ring leader. Other Italian mafia names are performance based. Some names are used to indicate the potential dangers that the particular individual poses. Examples include Mickey “The Animal” Costelle” and Francesco “The wolf” Lonardo.
An Italian mafia name may be based on a personal attribute or skill of an individual member. Franky “The Weasel” Napotano or Stefano “Crazy eyes” Brasco
Physical characteristics also play an important role - Franky “the Stud” Luchhese is a classic.

Stage names, well most Hollywood actors have had their name changes before, and some amusing characters have showed themselves up in the world of wrestling - The undertaker, probably being the most famous, along with The Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan...

Interestingly Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger never changed his name, but Michael Caine born Maurice Micklewhite.
Axle Rose was Bill Baily, and God knows what Jonny Rotten was.

Feel free to share your nicknames ...or overhheard pet names...
My favorite at this time is Fanta pants for any ginger folk – why are they so vilified? Does anyone care? sorry Lollo, for everything.

Are pet names and nicknames the same – probably not – snoekems, or teddy bear aren’t quite the same as John "the hammer"
Dick for Richard – no its Richard actually – and not Rick either that just sucks – dick – what? Exactly!

Others...
Elvis was the "the King" or the pelvis – take your pick
Liverpool fands called Robbie Fowler "God" he was that good.
Cherilyn LaPiere – is known as Sher
George Herman Ruth – Babe Ruth
William F. Cody - Buffalo Bill
William H. Bonney - Billy the Kid

In Japan honorifics is idesigned so that term of endearment convey the exact status of the relationship between two people. However, the recipient of the honorific is allowed to restrict the use when used by a certain person.
And so they go on etc etc

1 comment:

  1. Fitz Hall - former Wigan player, now at QPR is known as "One Size"

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